U.S. Energy Department Announces Infrastructure Law’s $45 Million Program to Assist Resilient And Efficient Building Energy Codes

The U.S. Energy Department on Dec 19 released a notice of intent to offer $45 million for states and local governments to advance the application of the latest building energy standards to aid in the development of buildings and cut down energy bills for residential and commercial consumers. The Building Energy Codes: Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation Program, which is funded by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or IIJA, will facilitate sustained, cost-effective implementation of updated building energy codes.

This financing represents the initial installment of a $225 million, five-year program supported by the IIJA to assist in building energy code adoption, training, and technical support at the state government and local administration level. Modernizing the nation’s building rules is essential to promoting the construction of more energy-efficient business and residential buildings to meet President Biden’s goals of100 percent clean electricity system by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The initiative supports the National Initiative to Advance Building Codes announced in June to motivate state, local, and tribal governments to fast-track the adoption of modern building codes and standards. The program is expected to help communities become more resilient to storms and other acute weather events fueled by climate change and, at the same time, create good-paying jobs, and lower energy bills.

The first $45 million program will award competitive grants to applicants, who – through partnerships – demonstrate novel methods that will allow state and local governments to achieve broader environmental, energy, and health goals. The department’s Energy Codes Program is focused on promoting the expansion, adoption, and application of building energy codes through research and analysis, technical assistance, and funding opportunities. These strategies work together to build buildings that will be efficient, resilient, safe, and comfortable for a long time to come.

In order to be eligible applicants, organizations in partnership with a state agency must apply for the funding opportunity. Organizations may include builders, architects, state or local building departments, contractors, engineers, design and construction professionals, research professionals, academia, trade organizations, regional energy efficiency organizations, consumer advocates, and other participants who contribute to the successful application of building codes.

Applicants are encouraged to apply for this funding opportunity and must register with Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Exchange, and a concept paper must be submitted by Jan. 31, 2023.